Neurontin ? and other pain meds - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

poopoopadoop · 05-17-2008, 09:19 PM

Hi, All,
I had ACDF c5-6 one yr ago and now C4-5 and C6-7 have small herniations. I also have stenosis and osteophyte. I saw a neurologist a few weeks ago who prescribed:
Neurontin 300mg 3x/day
Flexeril as needed
Ultram as needed

I have been taking the Neurontin as prescribed. I find that it makes me a little spacey - like a little, little, tiny bit high (but not like a narcotic high, if that makes sense). I think it helps a bit for nerve pain, but I still have a lot of pain.

I only took the Flexeril once or twice. I feel like it doesn't really help the pain, just helps me relax and sleep. I take the Ultram about once/week, but I worry about "needing" it. I am the kind of person who never takes medicine and tries to take as little as possible. BUT, I am in chronic pain. I feel like the Ultram definitely works, but worry about how much I should take it. The doctor said I could take it 2x/a DAY! I couldn't function at work if I did that or take care of my kids. So, I just deal with the pain.

For what it's worth, I am going to PT 2x/week but it doesn't help at all (waste of time in my book). I am going for a lumbar MRI on Monday because I have CONSTANT sciatica that I have had for a long time. We'll see what that shows.

What do people think? How has Neurontin made other people feel? How can I control my pain but not feel worried about "needing" it. BTW, I cannot take NSAIDS due to bad reflux.

Thanks!
Lisa

Fiona_Jo_324 · 05-18-2008, 02:06 AM

I take Neurontin for my nerve related pain and find it really works well. The spacey affect does go away after awhile. The first day I took it the affect was quite intense and I wondered how I would have ever take a medication that made me feel so strange, but it's definitely been a miracle worker where the nerve pain is concerned.

Well, the reality is when our bodies our pain we "need" some sort of relief. I can completely understand your concern about becoming dependent, but if you're experiencing the level of pain you have described than it does seem like you need some sort of relief. I really think if you take the Flexeril and Ultram as prescribed than you shouldn't have anything to be worried about and you you really are taking minimal dosages.

~ Fiona

SpineAZ · 05-18-2008, 07:23 PM

Neurontin did the same thing to me - I hear that for some people the "spacey" or "high" feeling subsides. For me it did not and was problematic due to work, driving etc. I told my doctor that if I was recovering at home and didn't need to be too lucid the stuff might work but it made me uncomfortable.

I had my ACDF 2 years ago - and this week I am having a posterior cervical foraminotomy as the nerve is still impinged somewhat and the osteophytes haven't gone away.

PNo · 05-19-2008, 12:04 AM

Hi - I found that when I dosed up very slowly over weeks that I actually did not experience as many side affects. I have taken Neurontin many different times in the last 4 years and it is worth it.

Try to make sure to take it opposite your pain medicine schedule. If you take the both together you will feel really weird. After my various times I found this schedule did work the best for Neurontin. depending on how much you need to get to try:

300 mg before bed for 7 days before adding more
300 mg am and bedtime at last 7 days before going to next step. If you are experiecing side effects, stay on this dose for another week
then add the next dose
300 am , 300 noon, 300 bedtime. wait at least a week or two weeks before going to higher dose.

I am now up to 1500 mg and not feeling much of any side effects this time. Plus I am on max doses of Vicodin along with it.

ExARMYPILOT · 05-19-2008, 02:49 PM

They started my on Lyrica - not Neurontin, and based on what all of you are saying, maybe I should request a change.

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